Micro Four Thirds

Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 – Most Affordable Netflix Approved Camera Yet

Posted by Jakub Han on in bgh1, camera, Cameras, Gear News, Lumix, Micro Four Thirds, netflix, Netflix 4k Originals, Netflix Approved, Panasonic, panasonic lumix bgh1

Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 “box-style” camera is now approved for Netflix 4K Originals content. At around $1,998, this makes it the most affordable Netflix-approved camera at the moment. Could this be the new “crash-cam” for Netflix productions?

Netflix has a list of cameras that are approved to shoot Netflix 4K Originals content. The exact recommendation for these productions is that “90% of the total runtime of a final program should be captured on approved cameras. For non-fictional content, this threshold may be more flexible. Any exceptions must be discussed with the relevant Netflix project lead.”

The most recent addition is now the Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 which becomes the most affordable Netflix approved camera.

Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 is Netflix approved

LUMIX BGH1. Source: Panasonic

The LUMIX BGH1 is the seventh camera from Panasonic which has been approved by Netflix. It features the same Micro Four Thirds image sensor as the LUMIX GH5S. The whole thing is packaged in a Box-shaped body with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount that, just like the Z CAM cameras, requires an external viewfinder or monitor.

The BGH1 accepts the same batteries as the Panasonic EVA1 and it includes some useful features like dual native ISO, 3G-SDI output, and BNC Timecode input/output.

As with all approved cameras, Netflix has published a Camera Production Guide for the LUMIX BGH1. This guide summarizes the settings and best-practices for capture with the camera on Netflix 4k Originals.

The approved standard recording mode (23.98, 24, 25, or 29.97 fps) is the .MOV 422, 10-bit, ALL-I 400Mbps codec in DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) or UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with V-Log L picture profile. When it comes to higher framerates, the approval only includes a workflow with an external recorder as the camera cannot record 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video internally with framerates higher than 30fps.

 

Camera Production Guide – LUMIX BGH1. Source: Netflix

For anamorphic production, the Academy 4:3 modes with a suitable anamorphic de-squeeze monitoring are approved:

  • 4K-A/60p/420/8-L
  • 4K-A/30p/422/10-I
  • 4K-A/24p/422/10-I

One of the reasons for the approval of this camera was probably also the included Timecode input/output via the BNC connector.

Price and availability

The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 currently retails for $1,998 (around €1,720 plus VAT in Europe) and it is, therefore, the most affordable Netflix-approved camera at the moment. Could the BGH1 become the new “crash-cam” for Netflix productions?

Where to buy: Link

What do you think about the LUMIX BGH1? Did you get the chance to work with the camera already? Have you filmed content for Netflix 4K Originals before? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D Lens for Micro Four Thirds Announced

Posted by Jakub Han on in Gear News, laowa, Laowa 10mm, Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D, Lens, Lenses, m43, mft, Micro Four Thirds, ultra-wide lens, Venus lens, Venus Optics, zero-d
New Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D ultra-wide-angle lens from Venus Optics has been announced. Designed for Micro Four Thirds, this compact lens weighs only 125g (4.4oz), it includes a manual focus ring and automatic five-blade aperture. It supports EXIF metadata, focuses from a 12cm distance, and supports 46mm filters. The lens is available for around $399. The Chinese lens manufacturer Venus Optics expanded its line of Zero-D ultra-wide-angle lenses with a very compact Laowa 10mm f/2 for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount. Let’s take a short look at its features and specs.

Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D MFT Lens

Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D for MFT. Image credit: Richard Wong
First of all, this lens is very small and lightweight – it is 41mm (1.61”) long and 125g (4.4oz) in weight. This size makes it suitable for lightweight gimbal setups, vlogging, or aerial drone usage. The lens features a 46mm front filter thread. Laowa 10mm f/2 is designed for Micro Four Thirds sensors, so it offers 96° Angle of view (20mm full-frame focal length equivalent). Its design stems from the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D, but Venus Optics further refined the optical design resulting in a faster aperture.
Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D for MFT. Source: Laowa
Talking of the optical structure, the lens includes 11 elements in 7 groups. The maximum magnification is 0.15x and the minimum focusing distance is 12cm (4.72″). Zero-D in its name implies that there should not be any distortion of the lines at the edges of the image. There are five aperture blades in the lens.
MTF Chart and Optical Structure. Source: Laowa
The lens is equipped with a CPU chip and a motor. Users can control the aperture in-camera and record all the metadata in the EXIF. The focus magnifier will be triggered for easier focus while rotating the focus ring. Because of this, the lens does not even have a manual aperture ring. It only features a manual focus ring.
Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D for MFT. Image credit: Richard Wong

Price and Availability

The Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D for Micro Four Thirds is available now for around $399. What do you think about this new Laowa lens? Would it fit into your kit? What do you think abotu the future of Micro Four Thirds format? Let us know in the comments below the article.